Arizona AG Mark Brnovich shares memories of John McCain

PHOENIX — Arizona’s Sen. John McCain passed away Saturday evening at age 81.

During his 35-year political career, he had a lot of staff members and interns. One of those was current Arizona attorney general Mark Brnovich.

Brnovich joined KTAR News 92.3’s Jim Sharpe and Larry Gaydos to reflect on the life of Sen. McCain — sharing that he was once an intern for the senator.

“You knew this day was coming but still, it’s tough, it’s tough emotionally,” Brnovich had to say about his long-time friend and colleague.

The attorney general recalled one of the last times he saw McCain.

“I met with Sen. McCain a few months back and we were sitting back and he was very philosophical,” he noted. “He accepted his fate.”

Brnovich spoke to McCain’s values and his impact on Arizona.

“He truly is not only a person of integrity but a legend,” he said. “We were truly blessed to have him as an Arizona senator.”

Brnovich also spoke about “salty language” and casual moments the two shared.

One time he remembered specifically was while he was just an intern on a flight to southern Arizona that truly illustrated McCain’s levity at times.

“I was the only guy in a tie and he looked at me and said, ‘Hey Mark, we’re headed to rural Arizona, let’s lose the tie,” the AG said with a chuckle.

He went on to express his gratitude for McCain’s continued support throughout his career.

During his first campaign for attorney general, Brnovich was at an event with McCain where he was introduced to many prominent political figures.

“I think they thought I was a staffer and he would say, ‘No, no, this is our attorney general,’ and he made a point of that,” Brnovich remembered.

Brnovich concluded the interview noting the legacy McCain has left.

“He wasn’t just Arizona’s treasure, he was a national treasure, an international treasure,” he said. “It’s a loss for the entire world.”